The United Kingdom is one the most popular destinations for international students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. It is home to numerous prestigious and highly ranked universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, University College London, King’s College and many more.
Furthermore, it has breathtaking natural beauty and a rich heritage in arts, literature, music and culture. As a multicultural country, it is also appealing to students who find it easier to settle in with the present diversity.
While it is a great place to study, completing higher education in the UK can be costly. After the tuition fee, the cost of accommodation is the most significant expense borne by students, which is why it is important to know what options are available and how they all compare to each other in various parameters.
Here is a list of student accommodation options in the UK, along with the pros and cons they each offer:
All universities in the UK offer on-campus accommodation to its students. These dorms, also known as halls of residence, are available to local as well as international students.
While there are a limited amount of rooms available, first year students are generally given preference and can always be allotted a dorm room. Depending on the university, rooms offered would be single or double occupancy, either with or without attached bathrooms and halls.
If a student wants to opt for this accommodation type, they have to inform the university before a given deadline so that a room can be reserved for them.
Similar to on campus dorms, these are large dorms with a communal kitchen where students can cook their own food. These halls are also managed by the university. Self-catered halls are hugely popular since they give students the freedom to cook whenever they want and eat at leisure. Furthermore, self-catered halls are convenient and affordable, while also being safe for students.
This is also an extremely popular choice for international students, especially after they enter the second or third year of university and are more familiar with the city and its people. Rented accommodations are basically either individual or sharing flats or shared houses where one or multiple students live together and split the expenses. This is a popular option for those that want more freedom and affordability.
In case students wish to experience their life abroad more fully or want to opt for the comfort of a home during their stay, they can opt for the homestay option. In this accommodation type, the university inspects and approves certain local families who are willing to host students. The international students can choose their host family and stay with them in their home, as a guest.
The choice of accommodation is an important decision every international student must make after examining all options as well as their own needs and wishes. In the UK, the four main accommodation options are on-campus dorms, self-catered halls, rented flats and homestays. There is no accommodation type that can be called the best, since all have their advantages and disadvantages. While on campus options are more convenient and safe, they can be costlier than renting flats, which involves a bit of a hassle. Similarly, homestays can be great for comfort and safety, but they might get in the way of socialising and freedom.